Feb 18, 2022
EngineeringUK attended the all party parliamentary group (APPG) on apprenticeships panel during the 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week. This virtual panel involved a variety of apprentices, providers and employers showcasing the work they have been doing on apprenticeships.
It is important to hear from those who know the most about this career pathway and how it benefits employers. The APPG on apprenticeships panel gave apprentices a voice and allowed parliamentarians to hear from them and their personal experiences.
This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme was ‘build the future’, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
Real-life apprentice stories
Apprenticeships offer real benefits for employers, such as bringing in fresh talent into the workforce which can help the development of innovative ways of working. A wide range of apprentices from various organisations were invited to speak at the virtual apprenticeship panel.
Rachelle is a degree apprentice at Network Rail. Her career began as a level 3 signalling apprentice at Network Rail and she is currently working as an intelligent infrastructure technician. Rachelle, who is working towards a BEng in signalling and control, said: “This will help me to continue to push both personal and professional boundaries and take me a step closer to becoming an incorporated engineer.”
Jensen is a higher engineering apprentice at BAE Systems. He is currently working within the engineering projects group where he works on the equipment improvement program for Type 45 destroyers. Jensen is working towards a degree in engineering and loves the blend of experience his apprenticeship offers.
Claudia joined KPMG directly from college as an apprentice. She has had the opportunity to spend time rotating around different departments across the firm which has given her an insight into what the responsibilities are within a diverse array of interesting teams. Claudia has been studying towards level 4 AAT professional accounting qualifications, and she believes there should be more talk at college and sixth form about apprenticeships. She has said that these conversations need to start with schools because that is where young people first hear about higher education options.
Harry is a nurse associate apprentice at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. This has been his first professional role in healthcare as he spent my previous working life dedicated to the hospitality sector. Harry is a hands-on learner and has said: “When I saw the nurse associate apprenticeship, I applied straight away. I am now 5 months away from completion and haven’t looked back since.”
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